Systems and methods for pattern generation and security features

ABSTRACT

Methods, systems, and articles of manufacture for providing user participatory design as a process to generate unique patterns on transaction cards are disclosed. For example, a system for providing an interactive design environment for designing a transaction card is disclosed. Accordingly, the system may provide for deeper customization of transaction cards through generative patterns curated by designers and informed by end-users. As a result, the patterns on transaction cards may be unique to every user, and these unique patterns may provide additional security functions to cardholders.

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No.62/250,313, filed Nov. 3, 2015, the disclosure of which is herebyincorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Transaction card designs serve several important functions for bothcardholders and card issuers. For example, specific colors may indicatea cardholder status level. Specialty designs may also associatecardholders to specific interest groups, such as an association with auniversity, company, and/or other organization. Moreover, by providing avariety of designs, card issuers promote card loyalty and increase userutilization, while allowing cardholders to add personality to theirtransaction cards. This practice is especially common with gift cardsand store cards, which often allow even greater customization includingco-branding of logos, themed designs, or personalized messages.

Current customization, however, is limited. Users either may choose froma set of predefined graphics and predetermined images or an uploadedpersonal image. While these options grant users some flexibility incustomizing their transaction cards, several disadvantages exist. First,user-uploaded images, while providing the greatest freedom ofexpression, may result in an appearance that does not reflect thecorporate identity of the issuer. Predefined graphics, on the otherhand, are typically selected by designers and provide for a consistentvisual image, but leave little or limited choices to the users.

Further, customization of transaction cards provides no furtherfunctionality beyond mere aesthetics. As shopping experience continuesto move online and away from in-person transactions, the risks ofpotential fraud and phishing attacks increase. Although websites oftendemand additional security features such as two-step authentications orpersonalized security image to combat these security risks, the need foradditional security features continues to exist.

Moreover, conventional customization systems not only lackfunctionality, but also are typically spread across multiple platformsthat require the use of restricted network connections. As a result,integration of relevant design and/or security information spread acrossthe platforms is inefficient, difficult, or even impossible, requiringexcess operator time and processing resources. Further, typicalprocesses for generating unique patterns on transaction cards issubjective and not automated. Such processes are time- andresource-consuming. Therefore, it is desirable to implement a distinctlycomputer-implemented and enhanced automated process which improves thegeneration of unique patterns on transaction cards.

The present disclosure is directed at overcoming one or more of theshortcomings set forth above and/or other problems of existing hardwaresystems.

SUMMARY

Disclosed embodiments include methods, systems, and articles ofmanufacture configured to, for example, provide an enhanced userautomated participatory design as a process to generate unique patternson transaction cards. Accordingly, the exemplary embodiments supportdeeper customization of transaction cards through generative patternscurated by designers and informed by end-users. As a result, thepatterns on transaction cards may be unique to every user. In someembodiments, these unique patterns may provide additional securityfunctions to the cardholders.

In one embodiment, a system for providing an interactive designenvironment for designing a transaction card is disclosed. The systemmay receive data associated with a user. The system may generate aunique identifier using the received data. Using the generated uniqueidentifier, the system may generate an interactive graphical patterncomprising a plurality of predefined geometric shapes. The system mayreceive user input altering a first portion of the interactive graphicalpattern. Based on the changes in the first portion of the interactivegraphical pattern, the system may automatically regenerate a secondportion of the interactive graphical pattern. The system may initiateapplication of the interactive graphical pattern onto a surface of atransaction card.

In one aspect, the system may check the interactive graphical patternagainst existing patterns to ensure uniqueness. The system may alsoconsider fabrication constraints when generating the interactivegraphical pattern. In another aspect, the interactive graphical patternmay comprise a plurality of nodes and lines. In some of the embodiments,the system may also decode the interactive graphical pattern to extractthe unique identifier.

In another embodiment, a computer-implemented method for providing aninteractive design environment for designing a transaction card isdisclosed. In one aspect, the method may include receiving dataassociated with a user. The method may also include generating a uniqueidentifier using the received data. The method may also include usingthe unique identifier to generate an interactive graphical patterncomprising a plurality of predefined geometric shapes. The method mayinclude receiving user input altering a first portion of the interactivegraphical pattern. The method may include automatically regenerating asecond portion of the interactive graphical pattern. The method mayinclude initiating application of the interactive graphical pattern ontoa surface of a transaction card.

In another aspect, the method may include checking the interactivegraphical pattern against existing patterns to ensure uniqueness. Themethod may also include considering fabrication constraints whengenerating the interactive graphical pattern. In a further aspect, theinteractive graphical pattern may comprise a plurality of nodes andlines. In other aspects, the method may also include decoding theinteractive graphical pattern to extract the unique identifier.

In a further embodiment, a non-transitory computer-readable medium forproviding an interactive design environment for designing a transactioncard is disclosed. In one aspect, the non-transitory computer-readablemedium may include a processor to perform a method. The method mayinclude receiving data associated with a user. The method may alsoinclude generating a unique identifier using the received data. Themethod may also include using the unique identifier to generate aninteractive graphical pattern comprising a plurality of predefinedgeometric shapes. The method may include receiving user input altering afirst portion of the interactive graphical pattern. The method mayinclude automatically regenerating a second portion of the interactivegraphical pattern. The method may include initiating application of theinteractive graphical pattern onto a surface of a transaction card.

In another aspect, the non-transitory computer-readable medium mayperform a method including checking the interactive graphical patternagainst existing patterns to ensure uniqueness. The method may alsoinclude considering fabrication constraints when generating theinteractive graphical pattern. In a further aspect, the interactivegraphical pattern may comprise a plurality of nodes and lines. In otheraspects, the non-transitory computer-readable medium may perform amethod including decoding the interactive graphical pattern to extractthe unique identifier.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description andthe following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory onlyand are not restrictive of the disclosed embodiments, as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute apart of this specification, illustrate several embodiments and, togetherwith the description, serve to explain the disclosed principles. In thedrawings:

FIG. 1 is a diagram of an exemplary system environment for providing aninteractive design environment for designing a transaction card,consistent with disclosed embodiments.

FIG. 2 is a diagram of another exemplary system for providing aninteractive design environment for designing a transaction card,consistent with disclosed embodiments.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method for providing aninteractive design environment for designing a transaction card,consistent with disclosed embodiments.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method for generating aninitial seed, consistent with disclosed embodiments.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method for generating aunique seed, consistent with disclosed embodiments.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method for generating aninteractive graphical pattern, consistent with disclosed embodiments.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method for optimizing apattern for manufacturing, consistent with disclosed embodiments.

FIGS. 8A-8B are illustrations of exemplary patterns, consistent withdisclosed embodiments.

FIGS. 9A-9B are illustrations of other exemplary patterns, consistentwith disclosed embodiments.

FIG. 10 is an illustration of another exemplary pattern, consistent withdisclosed embodiments.

FIGS. 11A-11T are illustrations additional exemplary patterns,consistent with disclosed embodiments.

FIGS. 12A-12D are illustrations of an exemplary method for generating atriangle pattern, consistent with disclosed embodiments.

FIGS. 13A-13D are illustrations of an exemplary method for interactingwith a triangle pattern, consistent with disclosed embodiments.

FIGS. 14A-14C are illustrations of another exemplary method forinteracting with a triangle pattern, consistent with disclosedembodiments.

FIGS. 15A-15D are illustrations of an exemplary method for generating ahexagon pattern, consistent with disclosed embodiments.

FIGS. 16A-16D are illustrations of exemplary methods for interactingwith a hexagon pattern, consistent with disclosed embodiments.

FIGS. 17A-17C are illustrations of another exemplary method forgenerating a hexagon pattern, consistent with disclosed embodiments.

FIGS. 18A-18C are illustrations of an exemplary method for generating achevron pattern, consistent with disclosed embodiments.

FIGS. 19A-19D are illustrations of exemplary methods for interactingwith a chevron pattern, consistent with disclosed embodiments.

FIGS. 20A-20B are illustrations of another exemplary method forinteracting with a chevron pattern, consistent with disclosedembodiments.

FIGS. 21A-21B are illustrations of another exemplary method forinteracting with a chevron pattern, consistent with disclosedembodiments.

FIGS. 22A-22B are illustrations of another exemplary method forinteracting with a chevron pattern, consistent with disclosedembodiments.

FIGS. 23A-23C are illustrations of an exemplary method for generating acube pattern, consistent with disclosed embodiments.

FIGS. 24A-24B are illustrations of an exemplary method for interactingwith a cube pattern, consistent with disclosed embodiments.

FIGS. 25A-25B are illustrations of another exemplary method forinteracting with a cube pattern, consistent with disclosed embodiments.

FIG. 26 is an illustration of another exemplary method for interactingwith a cube pattern, consistent with disclosed embodiments.

FIG. 27 is an illustration of an exemplary method for generating a linepattern, consistent with disclosed embodiments.

FIGS. 28A-28B are illustrations of an exemplary method for interactingwith a line pattern, consistent with disclosed embodiments.

FIGS. 29A-29B are illustrations of another exemplary method forinteracting with a line pattern, consistent with disclosed embodiments.

FIG. 30 is an illustration of an exemplary method for generating acircle pattern, consistent with disclosed embodiments.

FIGS. 31A-31B are illustrations of an exemplary method for interactingwith a circle pattern, consistent with disclosed embodiments.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Disclosed embodiments are directed to, among other things, providing aninteractive design environment for producing transaction cards unique toeach user. In particular, disclosed embodiments may provide a designenvironment for customizing transaction cards with unique visualpatterns curated by designers but personalized by each user. Theresulting transaction cards provide, among other things, a consistentvisual image uniquely tied to the user such that the generated patternis capable of providing additional security functions to thecardholders.

Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary embodiments, examplesof which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and disclosedherein. Whenever convenient, the same reference numbers will be usedthroughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts.

FIG. 1 is a diagram of an exemplary system 100 for performing one ormore operations consistent with the disclosed embodiments. Components ofsystem 100 may include computing systems configured to provide aninteractive design environment for designing a transaction card,consistent with disclosed embodiments. Components of system 100 mayinclude one or more computing devices, such as computers, web servers,general-purpose servers, authentication servers, or the like. System 100may further include memory for storing data and/or softwareinstructions, such as databases, memory devices, or the like, and mayinclude other known computing components. Components of system 100 maybe configured to communicate with one or more components of system 100including, but not limited to, user devices 102, 104, and 106, patterngeneration system 120, financial devices 130, 132, 134, andmanufacturing system 140.

As shown in FIG. 1, system 100 may include user devices 102, 104, or106. User devices 102, 104, or 106 may include, but is not limited to, ageneral-purpose computer, computer cluster, terminal, mainframe, mobilecomputing device, or other computer device capable of receiving userinput. As an additional example, a mobile computing device may include,but is not limited to, a mobile phone, smartphone, personal digitalassistant, tablet, or laptop. User devices 102, 104, and 106 may beconnected to a network such as network 110.

Network 110, in some embodiments, may comprise one or moreinterconnected wired or wireless data networks. Network 110 may compriseany type of computer networking arrangement used to exchange data. Forexample, network 110 may be implemented as the Internet, a wired WideArea Network (WAN), a wired Local Area Network (LAN), a wireless LAN(e.g., IEEE 802.11, Bluetooth, etc.), a wireless WAN (e.g., WiMAX), aprivate data network, virtual private network using a public network,and/or other suitable connection(s) that enables system 100 to send andreceive information between the components of system 100.

Pattern generation system 120 may be a computing system configured togenerate patterns for transaction cards consistent with disclosedembodiments. Pattern generation system 120 may be operated, for example,by card issuers, including but not limited to, financial institutions,retailers, or the like. In one embodiment, pattern generation system 120may include one or more computing devices, memory for storing dataand/or software instructions, and may include other known computingcomponents. Pattern generation system 120 may be configured tocommunicate with one or more components of system 100, such as userdevices 102, 104, or 106, financial devices 130, 132, or 134, and/ormanufacturing system 140. Pattern generation system 120 may beconfigured to provide interactive patterns via an interface accessibleby users over a network including, but not limited to, the Internet. Forexample, pattern generation system 120 may include a web server thathosts a web page accessible through network 110 by user devices 102,104, or 106. The web page may, for example, display an interactivepattern and receive user inputs (e.g., user edits to the interactivepattern) through an input device. In some embodiments, client devices102, 104, or 106 may execute an application that communicates withpattern generation system 120, displays the interactive pattern on itsdisplay through a graphic user interface, and receives user inputs(e.g., user edits to the interactive pattern) through an input device.

Financial devices 130, 132, or 134 may include automated teller machine(ATM) 130, point-of-sale (POS) device 132, bank terminal 134, or thelike. Financial devices 130, 132, 134 may be located, for example, atbanks, retailers, restaurants, or any place that accepts transactioncards, such as debit cards, credit cards, prepaid cards, gift cards,royalty cards, or any other known transaction cards. According to someembodiments, financial devices 130, 132, or 134 may be configured withadditional security features capable of authenticating users,authorizing transactions, etc. based on visual patterns on the surfaceof transaction cards generated according to disclosed embodiments.

Manufacturing system 140 may be a system configured to manufacturetransaction cards according to methods known to those skilled in theart. During manufacturing, manufacturing system 140 may be configured touse ultraviolet (UV) printing, laser etching, or other known methods, topermanently reproduce patterns generated according to disclosedembodiments onto a surface of the transaction cards. In some of theembodiments, manufacturing system 140 may communicate with patterngeneration system 120 via network 110 to provide fabrication constraintsrelated to the methods of manufacturing utilized by the manufacturingsystem 140. Manufacturing system 140 may also receive data, includingpattern designs, from pattern generation system 120 to producetransaction cards with unique patterns.

It is to be understood that the configuration and boundaries of thefunctional building blocks of system 100 have been arbitrarily definedherein for the convenience of the description. Alternative boundariesmay be defined so long as the specified functions and relationshipsthereof are appropriately performed. For example, pattern generationsystem 120 may constitute a part of components of system 100 other thanthose specifically described or may constitute a part of multiplecomponents of system 100. Such alternatives fall within the scope andspirit of the disclosed embodiments.

FIG. 2 is a diagram of another exemplary system for providing aninteractive design environment for designing a transaction card,consistent with disclosed embodiments. Exemplary system 200 orvariations thereof may be implemented by components of system 100 (shownand not shown), including pattern generation system 120, financialdevices 130, 132, 134, manufacturing system 140, and/or user device 102,104, or 106. In one embodiment, system 200 may include a server 210having one or more processors 220, one or more input/output (I/O)devices 222, and one or more memories 224. In some embodiments, server210 may take the form of a mobile computing device, general-purposecomputer, a mainframe computer, or any combination of these components.Alternatively, server 210 may be configured as a particular apparatus,embedded system, dedicated circuit, and the like based on the storage,execution, and/or implementation of the software instructions thatperform one or more operations consistent with the disclosedembodiments. According to some embodiments, server 210 may comprise webservers or similar computing devices that generate, maintain, andprovide web sites consistent with the disclosed embodiments. Server 210may be standalone, or it may be part of a subsystem, which may be partof a larger system. For example, server 210 may represent distributedservers that are remotely located and communicate over a network, suchas network 110. Server 210 may correspond to a server within network110, or separately to any server or computing device included in system100.

Processor 220 may include one or more known processing devices. Thedisclosed embodiments are not limited to any type of processorconfigured in server 210. Input/output (I/O) devices 222 may be one ormore devices configured to allow data to be received and/or transmittedby server 210. I/O devices 222 may include one or more digitalcommunication devices that allow server 210 to communicate with othermachines and devices, such as other components of pattern generationsystem 120, financial devices 130, 132, or 134, client devices 102, 104,or 106, or manufacturing system 140.

Memory 224 may include one or more storage devices configured to storeinstructions used by processor 220 to perform functions related todisclosed embodiments. For example, memory 224 may be configured withone or more software instructions, such as program(s) 226 that mayperform one or more operations when executed by processor 220. Thedisclosed embodiments are not limited to separate programs or computersconfigured to perform dedicated tasks. For example, memory 224 mayinclude a single program 226 that performs the functions of the server210, or program 226 could comprise multiple programs. Additionally,processor 220 may execute one or more programs located remotely fromserver 210. For example, pattern generation system 120, financialdevices 130, 132, or 134, client devices 102, 104, or 106, ormanufacturing system 140, may via server 210 access one or more remoteprograms that, when executed, perform functions related to certaindisclosed embodiments.

Server 210 may also be communicatively connected to one or moredatabases 230. Server 210 may be communicatively connected to database230 through network 110. Database 230 may include one or more memorydevices that store information and are accessed and/or managed throughserver 210. Systems and methods of disclosed embodiments, however, arenot limited to separate databases. In one aspect, system 200 may includedatabase 230. Alternatively, database 230 may be located remotely fromthe system 200. Database 230 may include computing components (e.g.,database management system, database server, etc.) configured to receiveand process requests for data stored in memory devices of database 230and to provide data from database 230.

FIG. 3 shows a flowchart illustrating an exemplary interactive designprocess 300 for generating a unique pattern for a transaction card,consistent with disclosed embodiments. In step 310, pattern generationsystem 120 may generate an initial seed or identifier associated with auser. In some embodiments, the initial seed may represent the firstinstance of data capable of personalizing the interactive patternscurated by designers to the user. Thus, the initial seed may be any setof numbers associated with the user. For example, the sixteen-digitaccount number on the user's transaction card may be used as the initialseed. Alternatively, pattern generation system 120 may generate aninitial seed independent of the account number. For example, the initialseed may be a numerical representation of the user's full legal name. Instill other embodiments, the initial seed may be a numericalrepresentation of multiple sources of data associated with the user.While pattern generation system 120 may generate an initial seed usingseveral different processes, one exemplary initial seed generationprocess is shown in FIG. 4.

In step 320, pattern generation system 120 may compare the initial seedwith existing or known identifiers in the database to ensure that theinitial seed is unique. Pattern generation system 120 may also modifythe initial seed to generate a unique identifier that may be associatedwith the user (step 330). For example, if the initial seed comprises anumerical representation of the user's name, and pattern generationsystem 120 identifies existing or known identifiers in the database foranother user of the same name, pattern generation system 120 maygenerate a hash value of the user's name and birthdate. Patterngeneration system 120 may then use the unique identifier as a seed instep 340 to generate the first instance of a unique pattern associatedwith the user. In step 350, pattern generation system 120 may receiveuser interaction with the unique pattern via, e.g., a user interfacedisplayed on user device(s) 102, 104, 106. For example, in some of theembodiments, pattern generation system 120 may receive user input from auser device(s) 102, 104, 106 and make bottom-up changes to the graphics,which preserves the high-level design languages curated by the designerswhile allowing the user to participate in customizing the pattern.Additional details related to these exemplary steps are furtherdescribed with respect to FIGS. 5 and 6.

Any modification done through the user interaction may be checked foruniqueness, and the system may distinctly automatically populate thedesign canvas with generated patterns consistent with the designlanguage to ensure both continuity of design and uniqueness. Thus, insome embodiments, the unique pattern may be decoded to extract theunique seed (step 360) during the design process. For example, patterngeneration system 120 may encode each digit of the unique identifier toa location on the transaction card and generate the pattern around thesespecific locations (e.g., locations 1, 2, and 3 of FIG. 8A). In theprocess of decoding the unique pattern, pattern generation system 120may process the patterns to identify these key locations to extract theunique seed as the user manipulates the design. In some of theembodiments, pattern generation system 120 may acquire an image of thepattern and use various image-processing techniques to extract theunique seed. This process may provide an enhanced security feature basedon the appearances of the pattern.

In some of the embodiments, pattern generation step 340 may further takeinto consideration various parameters from manufacturing system 140(step 370). For example, in some of the embodiments, pattern generationsystem 120 may receive manufacturing parameters from manufacturingsystem 140. The parameters may be manufacturing constraints orlimitations associated with certain methods of manufacturing, such as UVprinting, laser etching, or the like. In other embodiments, theparameters may be security features provided by manufacturing system140. Additional details related to these exemplary steps are furtherdescribed with respect to FIG. 7.

FIG. 4 shows a flowchart of an exemplary initial seed generation process400, consistent with disclosed embodiments. According to one embodiment,the initial seed generation process may begin with pattern generationsystem 120 receiving a user request for a transaction card from a userdevice(s) 102, 104, 106. For example, a user may operate user device(s)102, 104, 106 to access a website associated with an entity that issuestransaction cards (e.g., a financial service provider) to users in orderto request a transaction card. In other examples, a user may operateuser device(s) 102, 104, 106 to request the transaction card via asoftware application associated with the card issuer installed on userdevice(s) 102, 104, 106. Through the website or application, the usermay operate user device 102, 104, 106 to provide various identifyinginformation associated with the user (e.g., unique ID, name, etc.),which may be received or otherwise accessed by pattern generation system120. In some embodiments, the user may be an existing customer desiringto acquire a replacement card, and pattern generation system 120 mayalready have access to the various identifying information of the user.For example, the user may be an existing customer operating userdevice(s) 102, 104, 106 to access a website or use a softwareapplication associated with the card issuer to request a transactioncard without identifying information beyond, for example, completing acustomer login process or the like. The software application may be aweb application or an application associated with a transaction cardissuer on the user device(s) 102, 104, 106. Because the user is anexisting customer, the identifying information may be available withinthe database of the transaction card issuer. Alternatively, the patterngeneration system 120 may access external databases, such ascommercially available databases, credit-reporting agencies, or the liketo obtain the identifying information.

Pattern generation system 120 may also acquire user informationincluding, but not limited to, the user's full legal name (if notalready known), nickname(s), residence address(es), phone number(s),birthdate, favorite color, social security number, etc. A userrequesting a transaction card often may also provide other informationsuch as e-mail address, annual income, ownership of property, monthlyhousing payment, employment status, name of employer, etc. All thisinformation could be used by the pattern generation system 120 togenerate the initial seed in step 410.

Further, in step 430, pattern generation system 120 may gatheradditional information related to the user. In some embodiments, theadditional information related to the user may not typically beassociated with requesting transaction cards from a card issuer. Forexample, the additional information may comprise, among other things,the user's personal interests, brand preferences, politicalaffiliations, corporate associations, demographics, and the like. Forexample, pattern generation system 120 may obtain this information usinga survey provided to the user. Alternatively, pattern generation system120 may have access to the user's social network(s) or commerciallyavailable data-mining companies. Alternatives to the user informationwill be apparent to persons of skill in the relevant art based on theteachings contained herein, and the steps acquiring or gathering userinformation are not limited to what is disclosed herein and may beaccomplished in any order. Such alternatives fall within the scope andspirit of the disclosed embodiments.

In step 440, pattern generation system 120 may take the user information(and/or additional user information) and generate an initial seed basedon the gathered information. In some of the embodiments, the initialseed may be a set of pseudo-random numbers generated based on the userinformation as a seed. Pattern generation system 120 may generate theinitial seed based on predetermined algorithms. For example, patterngeneration system 120 may generate the initial seed based on a hashingfunction for producing values of fixed size using user information of anarbitrary size. For example, in some embodiments, the initial seed maycomprise a hashed value of the user's full legal name. Alternatively oradditionally, the initial seed may be the user's account number or maybe determined in conjunction with the account number (e.g., the user'saccount number may comprise a portion of the initial seed). Moreover, insome of the embodiments, the initial seed may be used as an identifierassociated to the user.

FIG. 5 shows a flowchart of an exemplary unique seed generation process500, consistent with disclosed embodiments. For example, patterngeneration system 120 may begin in step 510 by accessing an initialidentifier, such as the initial seed generated at step 440. In step 520,pattern generation system 120 may compare the initial identifier withknown identifiers stored in a database (e.g., database 230) associatedwith pattern generation system 120. If the initial identifier generatedduring step 440 is unique (e.g., otherwise distinct from all other knownidentifiers in the database), the system may designate the initialidentifier as a unique seed for generating the pattern (step 530). Ifafter the first iteration, the initial identifier is not unique, patterngeneration system 120 may generate another initial identifier (step540). In some embodiments, pattern generation system 120 may acquire orotherwise access additional information associated with the user togenerate another initial seed. Steps 520 and 540 may continue untilpattern generation system 120 determines the initial identifier isunique (step 520; Yes) and designates the initial identifier as theunique seed. Through process 500, the system may generate a unique seedassociated with the user. The unique seed may be used as a seed togenerate the interactive pattern users may influence, as discussedbelow.

FIG. 6 shows a flowchart of an exemplary unique pattern generationprocess 600 consistent with disclosed embodiments. In step 610, patterngeneration system 120 may access a unique seed (e.g., the unique seeddesignated in step 530). In step 620, pattern generation system 120generates a unique pattern, which may be a mathematical visualization ofthe unique seed. Moreover, the pattern in some of the embodiments may beassociated with a specific visual language. For example, the visuallanguage may be predefined geometric shapes including, but not limitedto, triangles, rhomboids, cubes, hexagons, chevrons, lines, circles,curves, and the like. In some of the embodiments, the pattern comprisesa plurality of nodes (see, e.g., elements 802, 804 of FIG. 8) andconnecting lines (see, e.g., elements 806, 808 of FIG. 8).Alternatively, the plurality of nodes may be composed of circles, or theconnecting lines may be curves. In other embodiments, the patterncomprises a plurality of overlapping geometric shapes. Thecharacteristics of the visual languages, and how they may be used todraw the patterns according to exemplary embodiments, are furtherdescribed later with respect to FIGS. 8-31.

According to one embodiment, the initial visual language used ingenerating the initial pattern (step 620) may be preselected, meaningthat pattern generation system 120 may automatically select an initialvisual language to generate the pattern. Alternatively, a user mayoperate a user device(s) 102, 104, 106 to select the visual languageprior to the generation of the initial pattern or any time beforefinalizing the pattern. During pattern generation step 620, patterngeneration system 120 may populate an interactive canvas displayed on auser device(s) 102, 104, 106 with geometric shapes based on the uniqueseed according to the selected visual language. In some of theembodiments, the generated pattern may represent a direct graphicalmapping of the unique seed. For example, pattern generation system 120may map each individual digit of the unique identifier to a location onthe interactive canvas, which may determine either the locations ofselected nodes or the centers of certain graphical shapes. Otheralternative mathematical depictions of the unique identifier are alsopossible depending on the visual language and algorithm.

At this point, the generated pattern may be a unique depiction orrepresentation of the unique identifier, and the user may choose to keepthe pattern without further modification. In step 630, however, patterngeneration system 120 may receive user interactions from user device(s)102, 104, 106 to modify the pattern in order to customize the design. Inorder to provide enhanced user experience, allow customization freedom,and ensure consistent visual aesthetics and functionality, patterngeneration system 120 may take the user input from user device(s) 102,104, 106, and make bottom-up changes to the graphics. In this way, thehigh-level visual language may be preserved, while at the same timeallowing user customization. By maintaining intuitive user interactionwith the system, the interaction may not need to be precise and noprerequisite skills may be necessary.

According to some of the embodiments, the user interaction may beselecting a new visual language. For example, the preselected visuallanguage may be triangular shapes having certain number of nodes 802,804and connecting lines 806, 808 as shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B. The user mayoperate a user device(s) 102, 104, 106 to select a different visuallanguage such as cubic-like shapes or rhombuses as shown in FIG. 10, andpattern generation system 120 may automatically generate a new patternusing the new visual language.

According to other embodiments, the user interaction may be as simple asswiping across the canvas or explicitly tapping on the nodes or lines.For example, in one aspect, the user may use a finger, stylus, or otherknown input devices associated with a user device(s) 102, 104, 106, todrag the nodes or lines directly to a different location on the canvas.In another aspect, tapping of the finger or stylus, or other similaruser inputs, could add or remove the nodes or lines. For example, usermay operate a user device(s) 102, 104, 106 to drag various nodes atlocations 1, 2, and 3 of FIG. 8A to different corresponding locations 4,5, and 6 to result in the pattern depicted in FIG. 8B.

Alternatively, the user may operate a user device(s) 102, 104, 106 toperform less explicit interactions with the patterns. For example, theuser may operate a user device(s) 102, 104, 106 to swipe across thecanvas displayed on user device(s) 102, 104, 106, and pattern generationsystem 120 may receive the user input and automatically fill in thedesign according to its algorithms. This computer-implement automaticand algorithmic fill may improve the performance and efficiency ofdesign generation. As shown in FIG. 9A, pattern generation system 120may generate a unique pattern comprising overlapping hexagonal shapes.The user may operate a user device(s) 102, 104, 106 to swipe across ablank area within the canvas (or any area on the canvas), and patterngeneration system 120 may receive the user input and automaticallypopulate the canvas with additional hexagonal shapes to result in thepattern depicted in FIG. 9B. Other input devices and methods of inputsmay be used as well. For example, the user may use a microphoneconnected to a user device(s) 102, 104, 106, and pattern generationsystem 120 could take the audio input to populate the canvas based onthe inputted audio waveform.

Other customizations may also be possible including, but not limited to,selecting a different background color, changing line color, or definingcanvas regions.

As discussed previously, pattern generation system 120 may makebottom-up changes to the graphics. In some embodiments, patterngeneration system 120 may modify the unique seed according to the userinput received from a user device(s) 102, 104, 106. The patterngeneration system 120 may conduct a uniqueness check to ensure the seedfor pattern generation remains unique (step 640). Once the systemgenerates a second unique seed, the pattern generation system 120 maypopulate the canvas according to the second unique seed. Alternatively,the system may check the pattern for uniqueness.

In other embodiments, pattern generation system 120 may maintain theportion of the pattern representing the unique seed and only altercertain aspects of the pattern that do not represent the unique seed.For example, the generated pattern may comprise two parts. The firstpart may be a unique pattern generated based on the unique seedaccording to the disclosed embodiments. For example, the first part ofthe pattern may encode information and may be unalterable. The secondpart may be additional design that does not carry any information. Forexample, the second part may be interactive and be modified foraesthetic purposes. In one aspect, the user interaction would only alterthe portion that does not represent the unique seed. Alternatively, theunalterable portion may be security features embedded into the designincluding, but not limited to, microscopic alphanumeric characters, dotsand dashes, bar codes, or the like.

From the user's perspective, the changes may appear intuitive. The useroperating a user device(s) 102, 104, 106 may alter a first portion ofthe graphical pattern. Pattern generation system 120 may receive thealteration, process it, and automatically populate through specializedalgorithmic steps a second portion of the graphical pattern toregenerate a unique pattern on the display of the user device(s) 102,104, 106. For example, as noted above, the user may operate a userdevice(s) 102, 104, 106 to move the nodes 802, 804 around to differentlocations, or add or remove the nodes 802, 804. Pattern generationsystem 120 may automatically populate additional portions of thepattern, such as connecting the nodes with additional lines 806, 808.Alternatively, pattern generation system 120 may differentiate between afirst node(s) 802 and a second node(s) 804. In one aspect, a user mayoperate a user device(s) 102, 104, 106 to move the first node(s) 802,and pattern generation system 120 may automatically populate the secondnode(s) 804. Because any changes to the appearance directly reflect theuser's interaction, the entire process may seem natural to the user.Thus, pattern generation system 120 may preserve the high-level designlanguages while allowing users to interact with the patterns andpersonalize the designs for their transaction cards.

FIG. 7 shows a flowchart of an exemplary manufacturing optimizationprocess 700 consistent with disclosed embodiments. In step 710, thepattern generation system 120 receives manufacturing parameters frommanufacturing system 140. In some embodiments, the manufacturingparameters may include fabrication constraints associated with aparticular manufacturing process including, but not limited to, UVprinting or laser etching. For example, a design that would be UVprinted on a plastic card may require different optimization of graphicsthan when laser etched. In some aspects, the fabrication constraints mayalso include the material type (e.g., plastic or metal) or the cardshape, size, margins, or protected areas (e.g., locations of thesecurity chip and/or logo). In other embodiments, the manufacturingparameters may include security features of manufacturing system 140.For example, certain portions of the lines may be microscopicalphanumeric characters, dots and dashes, bar codes, or the like, whichcould be used as additional security protection.

Process 700 may occur in parallel with process 300-600. For example,having the manufacturing parameters, pattern generation system 120 mayoptimize the generated patterns in step 720 as part of processing theuser input of step 630 so that the generated unique pattern of step 650complies with the manufacturing parameters associated with the chosenmanufacturing processes and/or manufacturing system 140. Multiplemanufacturing systems 140 may be involved, and each manufacturing system140 may use different manufacturing processes with differentlimitations. One manufacturing system 140 may be configured to processmetal cards using laser etching, while another manufacturing system 140may be configured to process plastic cards using UV printing. In some ofthe embodiments, pattern generation system 120 may receive specificparameters from a manufacturing system(s) 140, and optimize the linedensity in order to comply with the specific manufacturing system 140.In other embodiments, pattern generation system 120 may limit thespacing between lines and/or the number of total nodes based on theperimeter received from manufacturing system 140. In step 730, thepattern generation system 120 may export the final design to a formatusable by manufacturing system 140, such as vector files or other knownfile types, and directly communicate the file to manufacturing system140 via network 110. In a way, the design process could becomecompletely autonomous, eliminating additional adjustments and processingat manufacturing system 140. In sum, the exemplary process 700 mayreduce both manufacturing time and cost.

FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate exemplary patterns having the same visuallanguage, consistent with disclosed embodiments. As shown in FIGS. 8Aand 8B, an exemplary visual language may comprise certain predefinedgeometric shapes such as triangles. The patterns may further comprisenodes 802, 804 and connecting lines 806, 808. In some of theembodiments, the user may operate a user device(s) 102, 104, 106 tochange the locations of the nodes or the spacing between the nodes.Pattern generation system 120 may populate the canvas according to theselected visual language and thereby create multiple distinct patterns.In other embodiments, a user may operate a user device(s) 102, 104, 106to select a different visual language as shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B. FIGS.9A and 9B illustrates an exemplary visual language may comprisehexagonal shapes. Moreover, the exemplary pattern may compriseoverlapping geometric shapes. In some of the embodiments, the user mayoperate a user device(s) 102, 104, 106 to change the locations ofhexagonal shapes. Alternatively, the user may operate a user device(s)102, 104, 106 to swipe across the canvas as shown in FIG. 9B, andpattern generation system 120 may receive the input and automaticallygenerate pattern according to the received input. FIG. 10 illustratesanother exemplary visual language comprising of cubic-like shapes and/orrhombuses. FIGS. 11A-11T further illustrate additional exemplary visuallanguages, consistent with disclosed embodiments. By having a variety ofpredefined visual languages, the pattern generation system 120 maygenerate various patterns for the same unique seed by changing thevisual language.

FIGS. 12A to 12D illustrate an exemplary method for generating atriangle pattern using a unique seed consistent with disclosedembodiments. As shown in FIG. 12A, pattern generation system 120 mayreceive the unique seed and generate nodes 1202, 1204, 1206 on theinteractive canvas. The distance between the nodes may be determinedaccording to the manufacturing parameters received from manufacturingsystem 140. Alternatively, the distance d between the nodes may begreater than a predetermined value R, so that d>R. In some embodiments,pattern generation system 120 may perform Delaunay triangulation onnodes 1202, 1204, 1206 to obtain triangles that do not overlap. In otherembodiments, pattern generation system 120 may perform other knowntriangulation process to obtain the triangle pattern. Alternatively,pattern generation system 120 may optimize the pattern for non-sharptriangles. As shown in FIGS. 12C and 12D, pattern generation system 120may determine the geometric center 1208 of the triangle pattern andgenerate connecting lines to connect the nodes 1202, 1204, 1206 to thecenter 1208.

FIGS. 13A to 13D illustrate an exemplary method for moving a node andregenerating a triangle pattern consistent with disclosed embodiments.As shown in FIG. 13A, the user operating a user device(s) 102, 104, 106may touch a portion of the graphical pattern. Pattern generation system120 may determine the distances from the surrounding nodes 1302, 1304,1306 to the touched portion and select the nearest node within apredetermined threshold T. As shown in FIG. 13A, node 1304 is thenearest node. In some embodiments, when a node is selected, patterngeneration system 120 may cause the connecting lines to disappear asshown in FIG. 13B. When the user operating a user device(s) 102, 104,106 releases the selected node 1304, pattern generation system 120 maygenerate the connecting lines according to the exemplary methoddescribed in FIGS. 12A to 12D.

As shown in FIGS. 13B and 13C, the user operating a user device(s) 102,104, 106 may move the selected node 1304 to a different location 1304′on the interactive canvas. In some embodiments, if the location 1304′has an existing node, pattern generation system 120 may merge the node1304 with the existing node. In another embodiment, pattern generationsystem 120 may merge the two nodes if a distance d between the nodes areless than a predetermined value R (d<R). As shown in FIG. 13D, patterngeneration system 120 may generate the internal connecting linesconsistent with disclosed embodiments.

FIGS. 14A to 14C illustrate an exemplary method for adding a node andregenerating a triangle consistent with disclosed embodiments. As shownin FIG. 14A, the user operating a user device(s) 102, 104, 106 may toucha position 1408 on the interactive canvas. Pattern generation system 120may determine the distances from the surrounding nodes 1402, 1404, 1406to the position 1408. If the distances are greater than a predeterminedthreshold T, pattern generation system 120 may add a new node 1408′ andgenerate a new triangle as shown in FIG. 14B. In some embodiments,pattern generation system 120 may generate the new triangle after theuser operating a user device(s) 102, 104, 106 releases the selection ofposition 1408. As shown in FIG. 14C, pattern generation system 120 maygenerate the internal connecting lines consistent with disclosedembodiments.

FIGS. 15A to 15D illustrate an exemplary method for generating a hexagonpattern using a unique seed consistent with disclosed embodiments. Asshown in FIG. 15A, pattern generation system 120 may determine a centralline for generating a hexagon pattern. As shown in FIG. 15B, in someembodiments, pattern generation system 120 may place nodes 1502, 1502′symmetrically to the central line. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 15D,pattern generation system 120 may place a node 1504 on the central line.Once pattern generation system 120 determines the locations of the nodeson the interactive canvas, system 120 may generate hexagons having thenodes as the center as shown in FIGS. 15C and 15D.

FIGS. 16A to 16D illustrate exemplary methods for interacting with thepattern generation system 120 to generate a hexagon pattern consistentwith disclosed embodiments. For example, the visual language for ahexagon pattern is composed of an underlying hexagon grid. As shown inFIG. 16A, the user operating a user device(s) 102, 104, 106 may touch aposition 1602 on the interactive canvas. Pattern generation system 120may automatically place a node 1602′ and a symmetric node 1604 as shownin FIG. 16B. As shown in FIG. 16C, pattern generation system 120 maygenerate a pattern with hexagons having nodes 1602′, 1604 at theircenter.

Alternatively, the user operating a user device(s) 102, 104, 106 mayswipe across the interactive canvas as shown in FIG. 16D. Patterngeneration system 120 may add new nodes 1606, 1608, 1610 along path1612. In some embodiments, pattern generation system 120 may space apartnodes 1606, 1608, 1610 at distances according to the manufacturingparameters received from manufacturing system 140. Alternatively, thedistance between the nodes may be greater than a predetermined value R.In another embodiment, pattern generation system 120 may remove nodes ifa predetermined maximum density has been reached.

FIGS. 17A to 17C illustrate another exemplary method for generating ahexagon pattern consistent with disclosed embodiments. As shown in FIG.17A, pattern generation system 120 may generate a “spark” 1702 on theinteractive canvas. Pattern generation system 120 may trace the hexagonpattern using the “spark” 1702 on the interactive canvas according toFIGS. 17B and 17C. In some embodiments, pattern generation system 120may delete a hexagon pattern by reversing the process.

FIGS. 18A to 18C illustrate an exemplary method for generating a chevronpattern consistent with disclosed embodiments. As shown in FIG. 18A,pattern generation system 120 may generate a single chevron pattern 1802that is symmetric to a central line 1804. According to an exemplaryembodiment, the chevron pattern shown in FIG. 18A may be defined byvariables including but not limited to central line 1804, width 1806,height 1808 (of the parallelogram), spacing 1810 (between twoparallelograms), and angle 1812. As shown in FIG. 18B, patterngeneration system 120 may generate multiple chevrons to compose thepattern on the card. In one aspect, pattern generation system 120 maygenerate chevrons that are parallel to each other. In another aspect,system 120 may generate the adjacent chevrons with an offset 1814. FIG.18C shows an exemplary chevron pattern as generated by patterngeneration system 120.

FIGS. 19A to 19D illustrate exemplary methods for interacting with thepattern generation system 120 to generate a chevron pattern consistentwith disclosed embodiments. As shown in FIGS. 19A to 19D, the useroperating a user device(s) 102, 104, 106 may drag the chevron pattern.Pattern generation system 120 may interpret the user input to createdifferent effects on the chevron pattern. As shown in FIGS. 19A and 19B,the user operating a user device(s) 102, 104, 106 may drag the edge ofchevrons sideways to change the width of the chevrons. In someembodiments, the chevrons may have the same width, so an interaction tochange one width will change the width of the other chevrons as well.Alternatively, as shown in FIGS. 19C and 19D, the user operating a userdevice(s) 102, 104, 106 may drag the pattern sideways to tilt theorientation of the pattern. As shown in FIG. 19D, pattern generationsystem 120 may tilt all the patterns while maintaining theirparallelism.

Alternatively, the user operating a user device(s) 102, 104, 106 mayswipe vertically on the center of chevrons to change the offset as shownin FIGS. 20A and 20B. In another aspect, the user operating a userdevice(s) 102, 104, 106 may drag vertically on the edge of chevrons tochange the angle of chevron as shown in FIGS. 21A and 21B.

FIGS. 22A and 22B illustrate exemplary methods for providing feedback tothe user consistent with disclosed embodiments. For example, the useroperating a user device(s) 102, 104, 106 may select the edge ofchevrons, and pattern generation system 120 may highlight the edge as afeedback. In another aspect, the user operating a user device(s) 102,104, 106 may select a portion of the pattern, and pattern generationsystem 120 may highlight the portion as a feedback of the selection.

FIGS. 23A to 23C illustrate an exemplary method for generating a cubepattern consistent with disclosed embodiments. As shown in FIG. 23A, thevisual language for a cube pattern is composed of an underlying hexagongrid. Within each hexagon cell, pattern generation system 120 generatesa “cube” as shown in FIG. 23B. As shown in FIG. 23C, pattern generationsystem 120 may select specific cells to be empty according to the uniqueseed and thereby generating a pattern that may be unique.

FIGS. 24A and 24B illustrate an exemplary method for interacting with acube pattern consistent with disclosed embodiments. For example, theuser operating a user device(s) 102, 104, 106 may tap on a vacant cellon the interactive canvas, and pattern generation system 120 may fillthe cell with a “cube.” Alternatively, the user operating a userdevice(s) 102, 104, 106 may tap on a “cube” to remove it from thepattern. In some embodiments, the user operating a user device(s) 102,104, 106 may swipe across the interactive canvas as shown in FIGS. 25Aand 25B. Pattern generation system 120 may receive the user input andautomatically remove cubes or add cubes to generate the unique pattern.

FIG. 26 illustrates an exemplary method for providing feedback to theuser consistent with disclosed embodiments. For example, patterngeneration system 120 may receive user input from the user device(s)102, 104, 106 at cell location 2602. Using cell location 2602, patterngeneration system 120 may change the shading of the surrounding cells tocreate a “glowing” effect on the pattern. Because the “glowing” effectis determined based on the user input, the user operating the userdevice(s) 102, 104, 106 may feel that the pattern is responsive.

FIG. 27 illustrates an exemplary method for generating a line pattern,consistent with disclosed embodiments. As shown in FIG. 27, patterngeneration system 120 may generate a line pattern using variablesincluding but not limited to a starting line 2702 and distance 2704.Using these variables, pattern generation system 120 may show loopstransitioning form the starting line to the contour of a definedboundary. In some embodiments, pattern generation system 120 maymaintain a consistent distance between the loops.

FIGS. 28 and 29 illustrate exemplary methods for interacting with a linepattern, consistent with disclosed embodiments. As shown in FIGS. 28Aand 28B, the user operating the user device(s) 102, 104, 106 mayinteract with the ends of the starting line to extend or shrink thelength of the starting line. Pattern generation system 120 may receivethe user input from the user device(s) 102, 104, 106 and update thepattern accordingly. Alternatively, as shown in FIGS. 29A and 29B, theuser operating the user device(s) 102, 104, 106 may interact with theloops to cause the loop distance to grow bigger or smaller. Patterngeneration system 120 may receive the user input from the user device(s)102, 104, 106 and update the pattern accordingly.

FIG. 30 illustrates an exemplary method for generating a circle pattern,consistent with disclosed embodiments. Pattern generation system 120 mayuse the unique seed to determine the center point 3002 for the circlearrangement. In some embodiments, pattern generation system 120 may usea Fibonacci pattern to generate the initial circle arrangement as shownin FIG. 30. Alternatively, pattern generation system 120 may use otherknown techniques to generate the initial circle arrangement. Each circlesize may be predetermined by pattern generation system 120 or may berandomly generated by pattern generation system 120.

FIGS. 31A and 31B illustrate an exemplary method for interacting with acircle pattern consistent with disclosed embodiments. As shown in FIGS.31A and 31B, the user operating the user device(s) 102, 104, 106 mayinteract with the circle pattern either by tapping on or swiping acrossthe canvas. In some embodiments, pattern generation system 120 may usethe user input as a repeller to push the circles out of the way. Asshown in FIG. 31B, the circles directly affected by the user input getsmaller, while the nearby circles outside of the “effect zone” getlarger. In other words, pattern generation system 120 may maintain thetotal area of the filled circles within a certain area and redistributethe area among the affected circles.

Besides the exemplary embodiments previously disclosed, patterngeneration system 120 may also contain additional functions to allow auser operating the user device(s) 102, 104, 106 to store the interactivepattern for future use. For example, pattern generation system 120 mayautomatically store each variation of the pattern during and after eachstep of the design process. By storing each variation, patterngeneration system 120 allows the user to undo a change or return to aprevious pattern. Alternatively, pattern generation system 120 mayreceive user input from the user device(s) 102, 104, 106 to store aspecific pattern or to retrieve a specific pattern. In anotherembodiment, pattern generation system 120 may include a social-sharingfeature that allows a user using the user device(s) 102, 104, 106 toshare the pattern with a family or friend for further modification.

Besides providing a user participatory design environment, the disclosedembodiments also provide an identification and security feature. Atypical transaction card often includes, for example, a three orfour-digit security code printed on the card. Consistent with thedisclosed embodiments, the unique identifier may act as an additionalsecurity feature. In particular, because the generated pattern printedon the transaction card may represent the underlying unique identifier,the unique pattern on the card may provide an additional layer ofsecurity. For example, in an exemplary method of securing onlinetransactions, a user may operate a user device(s) 102, 104, 106 tocapture an image of the transaction card to authorize an onlinetransaction. In another aspect, financial transaction devices 130, 132,or 134 may secure in-person transactions by utilizing apparatus orsoftware to decode the graphical pattern to extract the security code.Alternatively, financial transaction devices 130, 132, or 134 may engagea secure transfer of an image of the graphical pattern to the issuer ofthe transaction card via network 110 for decoding.

Alternatively or additionally, the pattern may also be used for websiteauthentication. For example, many online websites now display apersonalized security image to confirm the validity of the websites. Theselection of personalized security images, however, may be limited. Byusing the unique pattern associated to the user, the websites mayprovide limitless security images and ensure its users are accessingvalid websites to avoid phishing attacks. For example, a user mayoperate a user device(s) 102, 104, 106 to access a website related to afinancial institution, and the personalized security image displayed maybe an image of the user's unique pattern. Because each pattern may beunique to the user, the user may be assured of the legitimacy of thewebsite.

Other embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art fromconsideration of the specification and practice of the disclosedembodiments. It is intended that the specification and examples beconsidered as exemplary only, with a true scope and spirit of thedisclosed embodiments being indicated by the following claims. While thedisclosed embodiments have been discussed with respect to transactioncards for ease of discussion, one skilled in the art will appreciate theuseful applications of the pattern generation outside of transactioncards. For example, user identification cards including, but not limitedto, student identification cards, library cards, store rewards cards,and the like, may be a possible application of the disclosedembodiments. Furthermore, although aspects of the disclosed embodimentsare described as being associated with data stored in memory and othertangible computer-readable storage mediums, one skilled in the art willappreciate that these aspects can be stored on and executed from manytypes of tangible computer-readable media. Further, certain processesand steps of the disclosed embodiments are described in a particularorder, one skilled in the art will appreciate that practice of thedisclosed embodiments are not so limited and could be accomplished inmany ways. Accordingly, the disclosed embodiments are not limited to theabove-described examples, but instead are defined by the appended claimsin light of their full scope of equivalents.

Additionally, although aspects of the disclosed embodiments aredescribed as being stored in memory, one skilled in the art willappreciate that these aspects can also be stored on other types ofcomputer readable media, such as secondary storage devices, for example,hard disks or CD ROM, or other forms of RAM or ROM, USB media, DVD,Blu-ray, or other optical drive media.

Computer programs based on the written description and disclosed methodsare within the skill of an experienced developer. Various programs orprogram modules can be created using any of the techniques known to oneskilled in the art or can be designed in connection with existingsoftware. For example, program sections or program modules can bedesigned in or by means of .Net Framework, .Net Compact Framework (andrelated languages, such as Visual Basic, C, etc.), Java, C++,Objective-C, HTML, HTML/AJAX combinations, XML, or HTML with includedJava applets.

Moreover, while illustrative embodiments have been described herein, thescope of any and all embodiments having equivalent elements,modifications, omissions, combinations (e.g., of aspects across variousembodiments), adaptations and/or alterations as would be appreciated bythose skilled in the art based on the present disclosure. Thelimitations in the claims are to be interpreted broadly based on thelanguage employed in the claims and not limited to examples described inthe present specification or during the prosecution of the application.The examples are to be construed as non-exclusive. Furthermore, thesteps of the disclosed methods may be modified in any manner, includingby reordering steps and/or inserting or deleting steps. It is intended,therefore, that the specification and examples be considered asillustrative only, with a true scope and spirit being indicated by thefollowing claims and their full scope of equivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system for providing an interactive designenvironment for designing a transaction card, comprising: a memorystoring executable instructions; and at least one processor configuredto execute the stored instructions to: receive data associated with auser; generate a unique identifier using the received data; generate aninteractive graphical pattern using the generated unique identifier, theinteractive graphical pattern comprising a plurality of predefinedgeometric shapes; receive user input altering a first portion of theinteractive graphical pattern; automatically regenerate a second portionof the interactive graphical pattern; and initiate application of theinteractive graphical pattern onto a surface of a transaction card. 2.The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one processor is furtherconfigured to: receive a selection of predefined geometric shape forgenerating the interactive graphical pattern.
 3. The system of claim 1,wherein the at least one processor is further configured to: check theinteractive graphical pattern against existing patterns to ensureuniqueness.
 4. The system of claim 1, wherein the interactive graphicalpattern further comprises a plurality of nodes and lines.
 5. The systemof claim 1, wherein generating the interactive graphical patternincludes fabrication constraints.
 6. The system of claim 1, wherein theat least one processor is further configured to: decode the interactivegraphical pattern to extract the unique identifier.
 7. The system ofclaim 1, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to:identify key locations to extract a unique seed.
 8. A method forproviding an interactive design environment for designing a transactioncard, comprising: receiving data associated with a user; generating aunique identifier using the received data; generating an interactivegraphical pattern using the unique identifier, the interactive graphicalpattern comprises a plurality of predefined geometric shapes; receivinguser input altering a first portion of the interactive graphicalpattern; automatically regenerating a second portion of the interactivegraphical pattern; and initiating application of the interactivegraphical pattern onto a surface of a transaction card.
 9. The method ofclaim 8, further comprising: selecting a predefined geometric shape forgenerating the interactive graphical pattern.
 10. The method of claim 8,further comprising: checking the interactive graphical pattern againstexisting pattern to ensure uniqueness.
 11. The method of claim 8,wherein the interactive graphical pattern further comprises a pluralityof nodes and lines.
 12. The method of claim 8, wherein generating theinteractive graphical pattern includes fabrication constraints.
 13. Themethod of claim 8, further comprising: decoding the interactivegraphical pattern to extract the unique identifier.
 14. The method ofclaim 8, further comprising: identifying key locations to extract aunique seed.
 15. A non-transitory computer-readable medium having storedinstructions which when executed cause at least one processor to performa method for providing an interactive design environment for designing atransaction card, comprising receiving data associated with a user;generating a unique identifier using the received data; generating aninteractive graphical pattern using the unique identifier, theinteractive graphical pattern comprises a plurality of predefinedgeometric shapes; receiving user input altering a first portion of theinteractive graphical pattern; automatically regenerating a secondportion of the interactive graphical pattern; and initiating applicationof the interactive graphical pattern onto a surface of a transactioncard.
 16. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 15, themethod further comprising: selecting a predefined geometric shape forgenerating the interactive graphical pattern.
 17. The non-transitorycomputer readable medium of claim 15, the method further comprising:checking the interactive graphical pattern against existing pattern toensure uniqueness.
 18. The non-transitory computer-readable medium ofclaim 15, wherein the interactive graphical pattern further comprises aplurality of nodes and lines.
 19. The non-transitory computer-readablemedium of claim 15, wherein generating the interactive graphical patternincludes fabrication constraints.
 20. The non-transitorycomputer-readable medium of claim 15, the method further comprising:decoding the interactive graphical pattern to extract the uniqueidentifier.